Hesperia passes $229 million budget

HESPERIA - The City Council passed the $229 million budget Wednesday night with little discussion.

The $112 million increase from last year's revised budget reflects an injection of cash from the $201 million redevelopment agency bond passed by the council earlier this month.

The fiscal year 2007 t0 2008 budget includes $46.2 million from these bonds.

Meanwhile, budget documents revealed that revenue from development related fees continued to drop over the last fiscal year, from a high of $6.5 million in 2005 to 2006, down to about $3.9 million in 2006 to 2007.

In fiscal year 2007 to 2008, those revenues are projected to increase a small amount to $4.1 million.

Hesperia plans to add 21 more staff over the next fiscal year, including nine full-time employees at the sheriff's department and five full-time employees in Code Enforcement, among others.

Brian Johnson, director of management services for the city, said last week that the city's increased spending was also made possible by a steady increase in "core, basic revenue" since 2004, with more people making purchases within the city.

The budget includes more than $105 million for capital improvement projects such as sewer and storm drainage, according to city budget documents.

More than $60 million is planned for roads, and over $38 million for public safety.

Hillary Borrud may be reached at 951-6234 or hborrud@vvdailypress.com.

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